Lighted exterior rearview mirror system

ABSTRACT

A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source and a lens. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The lens of the lamp has a portion that faces rearward of the vehicle and a portion that wraps around an outward side of a casing of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 12/037,409, filedFeb. 26, 2008 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1422), which is a continuation ofprior application Ser. No. 11/505,268, filed on Aug. 16, 2006, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,334,925, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.10/287,565, filed Nov. 4, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,755, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 09/938,182, filed on Aug. 23, 2001,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,853, which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 09/630,332, filed on Jul. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,069,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/420,658, filed onOct. 19, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,155, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/232,316, filed on Jan. 18, 1999, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,074,077, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/934,490, filed on Sep. 19, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,116, whichis a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/607,285, filed on Feb. 26,1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,705, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/333,412, filed on Nov. 2, 1994, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,497,305, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/011,947, filed on Feb. 1, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,659.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to security systems for vehicles and,more particularly, to remotely actuated, personal safety lightingsystems. The invention is particularly adapted to incorporation in theexterior mirrors of a vehicle.

Personal security in and around vehicles has become an importantconcern. In particular, an increasing number of assaults and robberiesare committed in parking lots while occupants are entering and exitingvehicles. While remote-operated, keyless entry systems have beenincorporated in vehicles in order to unlock the vehicle and illuminateinterior lights, such systems merely expedite entry to the vehicle anddo not, per se, enhance security around the vehicle. Accordingly, a needexists for a vehicle security system to increase the security forvehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle. Any suchsystem would need to be aesthetically pleasing and not burdensome inuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to provide a personal safety featurefor a vehicle in the form of a floodlight adapted to projecting lightgenerally downwardly on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle inorder to create a lighted security zone in the area. Advantageously, thefloodlight is preferably positioned in the housing of an exterior mirrorhaving a reflective element also positioned in the housing. According toan aspect of the invention, an actuator is provided for the floodlightincluding a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter. The baseunit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order toactuate the floodlight. This allows the vehicle operator to actuate thefloodlight from a distance in order to establish the security zone priorto approaching the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, an actuator for thefloodlight includes a lockout device in order to prevent actuation ofthe floodlight during operation of the vehicle. According to yet afurther aspect of the invention, a signal light that is adapted toprojecting light generally rearwardly of the vehicle is included in theexterior mirror housing. An actuator for the warning light is connectedwith the stoplight circuit, turn signal circuit, or both the stoplightand turn signal circuit, of the vehicle in order to actuate the warninglight when either the stoplight or turn signal is being actuated.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the floodlight isadapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing on an areaadjacent a portion of the vehicle that extends laterally onto thevehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, asecurity zone is established from the vehicle door to the rear of thevehicle. The signal light is adapted to projecting a pattern of lightextending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.In this manner, the pattern generated by the signal light cannot besubstantially observed by a driver of the vehicle. However, the patterngenerated by the signal light may be observed by a driver of anothervehicle passing the vehicle equipped according to the invention.

The floodlight and signal lights may be generated by a light emittingdiode positioned in the housing, a vacuum fluorescent lamp positioned inthe housing, an incandescent lamp positioned in the housing or a lightsource in the vehicle and a light pipe between the light source and themirror housing.

By providing a lighted security zone adjacent the vehicle, users canobserve suspicious activity around the vehicle. The pattern of lightgenerated by a security light according to the invention establishes asecurity zone around, and even under, the vehicle in the important areawhere the users enter and exit the vehicle. The provision for remoteactuation of the security light provides a deterrent to ward off personslurking around the protected vehicle while the users are still at a safedistance from the vehicle. The provision for a lockout circuit ensuresthat the security light will not inadvertently be actuated while thevehicle is in motion. The invention, further, conveniently combines asignal light that acts in unison with the vehicle's turn signal, brakelight, or both, with the security light in an exterior mirror assembly.The signal light may be designed to be observed by other vehiclespassing the equipped vehicle but not directly by the driver of theequipped vehicle.

These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention willbecome apparent upon review of the following specification inconjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly(rear of the vehicle) incorporating the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the mirror assembly in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the mirror assembly in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is the same view of FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system according to theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a controlsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a breakaway perspective view of the system in FIG. 1 revealinginternal components thereof;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the lines VIII-VIII in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines IX-IX in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the security zonelight pattern generated by a security light according to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the light patterngenerated by a signal light useful with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a first alternative light sourceaccording to the invention;

FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a second alternative light source;

FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a third alternative light source;

FIG. 19 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a fourth alternative light source;and

FIG. 20 is the same view as FIG. 7 of the invention embodied in analternative mirror structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrativeembodiments depicted therein, a vehicle personal security lightingsystem 25 includes an exterior mirror assembly 26 having a conventionalreflectance element 28, a security light 30, preferably white, or clear,and a signal light 32, preferably red, incorporated in a housing, orcasing, 34. Casing 34 is connected by a neck 36 to a stationary panel orsail 38 adapted for incorporation with the forward portion of thevehicle side window assembly, and which mounts mirror assembly 26 to thedoor of a vehicle 40 (see FIG. 10). Reflectance element 28 may be any ofseveral reflectors, such as glass coated on its first or second surfacewith a suitable reflective layer or layers, such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,179,471, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein, or an electro-optic cell including a liquidcrystal, electrochromic, or electrochemichromic fluid, gel orsolid-state compound for varying the reflectivity of the mirror inresponse to electrical voltage applied thereacross as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,151,824, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, as is conventional, reflectance element28 is mounted to a bracket 43 by an actuator 42. Casing 34 is mounted tobracket 43. Actuator 42 provides remote positioning of reflectanceelement 28 on two orthogonal axes. Such actuators are well known in theart and may include a jackscrew-type actuator 42 such as Model No.H16-49-8001 (right-hand mirror) and Model No. H16-49-8051 (left-handmirror) by Matsuyama of Kawagoe City, Japan, as illustrated in FIG. 7,or a planetary-gear actuator 42′ such as Model No. 540 (U.S. Pat. No.4,281,899) sold by Industrie Koot BV (IKU) of Montfoort, Netherlands, asillustrated in FIG. 20. As is also conventional, the entire casing 34including actuator 42, 42′ is mounted via bracket 43 for breakawaymotion with respect to stationary panel 38 by a breakaway joint assembly44. Breakaway joint assembly 44 (FIG. 9) includes a stationary member 46attached to vehicle 40, a pivoting member 48 to which bracket 43 andcasing 34 are attached, and a wire-way 50 through which a wire cable 52passes. Wire cable 52 includes individual wires to supply controlsignals to actuator 42, 42′, as well as signals to control the level ofreflectivity, if reflective element 28 is of the variable reflectivitytype noted above, such as an electrochromic mirror. Power may also besupplied through cable 52 for a heater (not shown) as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,151,824 in order to evaporate ice and dew from reflectiveelement 28.

With reference to FIG. 5, actuator 42, 42′ receives a first set ofreversible voltage signals from a switch 54, in order to bidirectionallypivot in one axis, and a second set of reversible signals from a switch56, in order to bidirectionally pivot in the opposite axis, as isconventional. Switches 54 and 56 are actuated by a common actuator (notshown) that is linked so that only one of the switches 54 and 56 may beactuated at a time. In this manner, actuator 42, 42′ may utilize onecommon conductor for both switches 54, 56.

Each of the security light 30 and signal light 32 includes a lightsource 60 and reflector 62 behind a lens 64 (FIG. 8). Light source 60,reflector 62 and lens 64 are designed for security light 30 to project apattern 66 of light, such as white light, through a clear, non-filteringlens, in order to establish a security zone around the vehicle (FIGS.10-12). Pattern 66 extends rearward from mirror assembly 26. Vertically,pattern 66 contacts the ground at 68 in the vicinity of entry and exitby the vehicle occupants (FIGS. 10 and 12). Laterally, pattern 66 fansout into contact with the side 70 a, 70 b of the vehicle. This contactwashes the sides of the vehicle to reflect the light in order to furtherilluminate the area in order to establish the security lighting zone(FIGS. 11 and 12). In a preferred embodiment, pattern 66 extendsrearwardly from mirror assembly 26 without projecting any portion of thepattern forwardly of the mirror assembly.

Signal light 32 generates a light pattern 72, which is directedgenerally horizontally rearwardly of vehicle 40 (FIGS. 13-15). Pattern72 is laterally directed substantially away from side 70 a, 70 b ofvehicle 40 so that the driver of vehicle 40 does not directly interceptpattern 72, although a minor intensity (such as 10%) of the pattern isintercepted by the driver in order to provide awareness of the actuatingof the signal light. Pattern 72 fans laterally away from side 70 a, 70 bto an extent that is parallel the face of reflectance element 28, whichis substantially perpendicular to side 70 a, 70 b (FIG. 14). Thus, thedriver of another vehicle (not shown) passing vehicle 40 on the left orright side of vehicle 40 will intercept pattern 72 while the vehicle isbehind and beside vehicle 40. Although, in an illustrated embodiment,lens 64 of signal light 32 is substantially planar, lens 64 of signallight 32 could be made to wrap around the outward side of casing 34 inorder to function as a side marker for the vehicle as is required insome European countries.

Vehicle mirror assembly security system 25 is actuated by a controlsystem 74 (FIG. 5). Control system 74 includes means for actuatingsecurity light 30 including a remote transmitting device 76 and astationary receiving device 78. Transmitting device 76 may be remotelycarried by the vehicle operator and includes switches 80 and 81 in orderto actuate the transmitting circuitry to transmit a signal form antenna82, which is received by antenna 84 of receiving device 78. Receivingdevice 78 is mounted in the vehicle, such as in the vehicle trunkcompartment, and includes an output 86 in order to operate remote doorlock circuit 88, as is conventional. Output 86 is, additionally,provided as an input 90 of a lockout circuit 92, whose output 94 issupplied to security lamp 30. Input 90 may additionally be actuated by atimeout circuit 96, which is conventionally supplied in a vehicle inorder to dim the interior lights, following a slight delay, after theoccurrence of an event, such as the opening and closing of the doors ofthe vehicle. Signal light 32 is actuated on line 98 from either a turnindicator circuit 100 or a stop lamp indicator circuit 102, both ofwhich are conventionally supplied with vehicle 40.

In operation, when the operator actuates switch 80 of transmittingdevice 76, receiving device 78 produces a signal on output 86 in orderto cause remote door lock circuit 88 to unlock the doors. Alternatively,actuation of switch 81 on remote transmitting device 76 causes receivingdevice 78 to produce a signal on output 86 to cause remote door lockcircuit 88 to lock the vehicle doors. The signal on output 86 actuatessecurity lamp 30 provided that lockout circuit 92 does not inhibit thesignal. Lockout circuit 92 responds to operation of the vehicle in orderto avoid actuation of security lamp 30 when the vehicle is in motion.Such lockout circuits are conventional and may be responsive to placingof the vehicle transmission in gear of sensing of the speed of thevehicle, or the like. Security lamp 30 is also actuated, in response tointerior lighting device timeout circuit 96, whenever the interiorlights of the vehicle are being actuated by timeout circuit 96, providedthat lookout circuit 92 does not inhibit the signal from security lamp30. This is provided in order to allow security lamp 30 to be actuatedin response to the entry to, or exit from, vehicle 40 without theoperator utilizing transmitting device 76 to lock or unlock the doors.Signal lamp 32 is actuated in response to turn indicator circuit 100whenever the operator moves the indicator stick in the direction of thatparticular signal lamp 32. Signal lamp 32 may additionally be actuatedfrom stop lamp circuit 102 in response to the driver actuating thevehicle's brakes.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, lens 64 of signal lamp32 is adapted to filter the light provided from lamp 32 so as to be redand is provided for vehicles 40 in which the stop lamps and rear turnindicator lamps are, likewise, red. Because signal lamp 32 shines red,pattern 72 is restricted from extending forward of the vehicle. This isin order to comply with regulations prohibiting red lights from causingconfusion with emergency vehicles by shining forward of the vehicle.

For vehicles having red stoplights and amber turn indicators in therear, a vehicle mirror security assembly 25′ includes an exterior mirrorassembly 26′ and a control system 74′ (FIGS. 4 and 6). Exterior mirrorassembly 26′ includes a security light 30′, preferably white or clear,and a pair of signal lights 32 a′ and 32 b′. Signal light 32 a′ is amberand is actuated directly from turn indicator circuit 100′. This ambercolor can be provided either by an amber light bulb or source, or afiltering lens providing an amber color. Signal light 32 b′ is red andis actuated directly from stop lamp circuit 102′. Each of the lightpatterns generated by signal lights 32 a′ and 32 b′ substantiallycorrespond with light pattern 72. The light pattern generated bysecurity light 30′ is substantially equivalent to pattern 66. With theexception that turn signal indicator circuit 100′ actuates signal light32 a′ and stop lamp circuit 102′ actuates signal light 32 b′, controlsystem 74′ operates substantially identically with control circuit 74.

In the illustrated embodiment, light source 60, for both security light30 and signal light 32, may be supplied as a conventional incandescentor halogen lamp 60 a (FIG. 7). Alternatively, a conventionalincandescent fuse lamp 60 b may be used (FIG. 16). Alternatively, avacuum fluorescent lamp 60 c, which is available in various colors, maybe used (FIG. 17). Alternatively, a light emitting diode 60 d may beused (FIG. 18). As yet a further alternative, a fiber optic bundle 104forming a light pipe may be positioned to discharge light behind lens64. Fiber optic bundle 104 passes through breakaway joint 44 in wire-way50 in order to transmit light from a source (not shown) within vehicle40. By way of example, lens 64 may be supplied as a segmented lens, aprismatic lens, or a Fresnel lens in order to generate light patterns 66and 72. Bracket 43 and breakaway joint 44 are marketed by DonnellyCorporation, the present assignee, of Holland, Mich. The remote actuatorcomposed of remote transmitting device 76 and stationary receivingdevice 78 may be radio frequency coupled, as is conventional.Alternatively, they may be infrared coupled as illustrated in U.S. Pat.No. 4,258,352.

Although the invention is illustrated in a mirror assembly utilizing anautomatic remote actuator, it may also be applied to manual remoteactuators and handset actuators. As previously set forth, reflectanceelement 28 may be conventional or may be supplied as an electrochromicself-dimming mirror. Although the invention is illustrated withbreakaway joint 44, the invention may also be applied to mirrors thatare rigidly mounted to the vehicle.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments canbe carried out without departing form the principles of the invention,which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent lawincluding the Doctrine of Equivalents.

1. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said lightedexterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior rearview mirrorassembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; said exteriormirror assembly including a reflective element; said exterior rearviewmirror assembly including a breakaway joint assembly; said breakawayjoint assembly including a stationary member and a pivoting member; anelectrically-operable actuator for positioning said reflective elementabout at least one axis; said reflective element provided with anelectrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from saidreflective element; wherein said exterior rearview mirror assemblyincludes a turn signal indicator lamp; wherein said lamp comprises alight source and a lens; wherein said lamp is fixedly included in saidexterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of saidactuator; wherein said breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-waythrough which a wire cable passes; wherein said wire cable compriseswires for operating said actuator, said heater and said lamp; andwherein said exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a casing, andwherein said lens of said lamp comprises a portion that faces rearwardof the vehicle and a portion that wraps around an outward side of saidcasing of said exterior rearview mirror assembly.
 2. The lightedexterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said lamp comprisesa reflector.
 3. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 2,wherein said lens comprises a segmented lens.
 4. The lighted exteriorrearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said lens comprises at leastone of (a) a prismatic lens and (b) a Fresnel lens.
 5. The lightedexterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said lamp comprisesa light pipe.
 6. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1,wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflectiveelement, and wherein said wire cable comprises wires for operating saidelectrochromic reflective element.
 7. The lighted exterior rearviewmirror system of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at leastone light emitting diode.
 8. The lighted exterior rearview mirror systemof claim 7, wherein, when said at least one light emitting diode isactuated, light emitted by said lamp comprises at least one of red lightand amber light.
 9. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for avehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising: anexterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of avehicle; said exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element;said exterior rearview mirror assembly including a breakaway jointassembly; said breakaway joint assembly including a stationary memberand a pivoting member; an electrically-operable actuator for positioningsaid reflective element about at least one axis; said reflective elementprovided with an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice ordew from said reflective element; wherein said exterior rearview mirrorassembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp; wherein said lampcomprises a light source and at least one of a lens and a reflector;wherein, when said light source is actuated, light emitted by said lampcomprises at least one of red light and amber light; wherein said lampis fixedly included in said exterior rearview mirror assembly andunaffected by operation of said actuator; wherein said breakaway jointassembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes; whereinsaid wire cable comprises wires for operating said actuator, said heaterand said lamp; and wherein said exterior rearview mirror assemblyincludes a casing, and wherein said lens of said lamp comprises aportion that faces rearward of the vehicle and a portion that wrapsaround an outward side of said casing of said exterior rearview mirrorassembly.
 10. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 9,wherein said lens comprises a segmented lens.
 11. The lighted exteriorrearview mirror system of claim 9, wherein said lens comprises at leastone of (a) a prismatic lens and (b) a Fresnel lens.
 12. The lightedexterior rearview mirror system of claim 9, wherein said reflectiveelement comprises an electrochromic reflective element, and wherein saidwire cable comprises wires for operating said electrochromic reflectiveelement.
 13. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 9,wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.14. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, saidlighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior rearviewmirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; saidexterior mirror assembly including a reflective element; wherein saidreflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element; saidexterior rearview mirror assembly including a breakaway joint assembly;said breakaway joint assembly including a stationary member and apivoting member; an electrically-operable actuator for positioning saidreflective element about at least one axis; said reflective elementprovided with an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice ordew from said reflective element; wherein said exterior rearview mirrorassembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp; wherein said lampcomprises a light source and at least one of a lens and a reflector;wherein said lamp is fixedly included in said exterior rearview mirrorassembly and unaffected by operation of said actuator; wherein saidbreakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cablepasses; said wire cable comprises wires for operating said actuator,said heater, said lamp and said electrochromic reflective element; andwherein said exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a casing, andwherein said lens of said lamp comprises a portion that faces rearwardof the vehicle and a portion that wraps around an outward side of saidcasing of said exterior rearview mirror assembly.
 15. The lightedexterior rearview mirror system of claim 14, wherein said lens comprisesa segmented lens.
 16. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system ofclaim 14, wherein said light source comprises at least one lightemitting diode.
 17. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim14, wherein, when said light source is actuated, light emitted by saidlamp comprises at least one of red light and amber light.
 18. A lightedexterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said lighted exteriorrearview mirror system comprising: an exterior rearview mirror assemblyadapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; said exterior mirrorassembly including a reflective element; said exterior rearview mirrorassembly including a breakaway joint assembly; said breakaway jointassembly including a stationary member and a pivoting member; anelectrically-operable actuator for positioning said reflective elementabout at least one axis; said reflective element provided with anelectrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from saidreflective element; wherein said exterior rearview mirror assemblyincludes a turn signal indicator lamp; wherein said lamp comprises alight pipe and at least one light emitting diode; wherein said lamp isfixedly included in said exterior rearview mirror assembly andunaffected by operation of said actuator; wherein said breakaway jointassembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes; whereinsaid wire cable comprises wires for operating said actuator, said heaterand said lamp; and wherein said exterior rearview mirror assemblyincludes a casing, and wherein a lens of said lamp comprises a portionthat faces rearward of the vehicle and a portion that wraps around anoutward side of said casing of said exterior rearview mirror assembly.19. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein,when said at least one light emitting diode is actuated, light emittedby said lamp comprises at least one of red light and amber light. 20.The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein saidreflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element, andwherein said wire cable comprises wires for operating saidelectrochromic reflective element.